Clarksville Child Custody & Visitation

Resolving Child Custody Issues – (931) 361-4477

Whether you need to negotiate, mediate, or litigate a child custody case,
you can depend on our family law firm. Backed by decades of experience,
Mr. Pittman can help you determine child custody in a
divorce and handle post-divorce modifications. Our Clarksville child custody attorney
is prepared to work directly with you from start to finish of your custody
and visitation case.

Counsel for Parenting Plans & Custody Litigation

At Patton & Pittman, our goal is to secure a fair custody and visitation
settlement through
mediation or some other amicable process, setting aside egos and resentments so
as to build a parenting plan that works best for the child. But if that
is simply not possible, then we are ready to litigate your case at trial.
You can depend on our experienced litigation team.

In determining a custody and visitation court order, family courts generally
factor in:

The quality of the child’s relationships with each parent

The child’s relationships with siblings and other relatives, as well
as in the community and school

Any history of domestic abuse or substance abuse

The wishes of the child, particularly if 12 years old or more

Courts typically want to award joint custody so that the child benefits
from having both parents in their life, and a court will also want to
promote continuity in the kid’s life as much as possible. But each
case is unique, and our Clarksville custody and visitation lawyers are
ready to work one-on-one with you to ensure that we understand your family
dynamic and your children’s needs. We are ready to work tirelessly
to make sure that the court sees what is best for your children, and then
makes that a reality.

How Do the Courts Calculate Child Support?

Judges consider the following factors when determining how much child support
should be paid out:

The child’s needs such as health insurance, education, day care,
and other special needs

The custodial parent’s income and needs

Whether the paying parent has the ability to pay

What the child's living standards were before the divorce

Divorced spouses are required show their full financial situation by providing
various financial statements to the courts. Both parents must disclose
their monthly income and expenses before a child support decision can
be reached.

Courts will usually take the family’s standard of living prior to
the divorce, into account as well. When possible, courts like to continue
the family’s living standard for the child. However, maintaining
this standard is only a goal, not an actual guarantee.

Factors Courts Takes into Account When Determining Child Custody

Courts must also determine the “best interests of the child”
when deciding which spouse will be granted custody. The following are
factors that will be considered in a child custody case:

The child's age, sex, and overall health

The parent's mental and physical health

The parent's lifestyle and other social factors

Whether there is any history of child abuse

The emotional bond between the parent and child

The parent's ability to give the child guidance

The parent's ability to provide the child with food, shelter, clothing,
and medical care

The child's established living routine (school, home, community, religious
institution)

The quality of the child's education in their current situation

Which parent the child prefers

Ultimately, courts are primarily interested in figuring out which parent
is likely to provide the child with a stable environment that fosters
their relationship with the other parent.

Types of Custody

Legal Custody: Gives a parent the right to make long-term decisions about raising the child.

Physical Custody: the parent who is granted this right provides care for the child on a
daily basis. Typically means the child lives with said parent.

Sole Custody: Parent is given exclusive physical and legal custody of the child.

Grandparent Visitation and Custody: Courts can grant visitation or custody tights to grandparents in certain
situations.

Modifying Child Custody or Support in Clarksville

We represent either side in cases that involve:

Relocating outside of Tennessee with the children

Requesting an increase in parenting time

Petitioning for full custody due to neglect or abuse

Requesting a decrease or increase in child support payments

Failure to pay child support

Violations of the parenting plan or a refusal of visitation rights

Whether your child custody case involves the Tennessee Parental Relocation
Act or the laws that affect members of the Armed Forces, we have the insight
and advice you need. We can discuss how we can help you in a free, confidential
consultation. No matter the legal challenges present, our experienced
Clarksville family law firm is ready to protect your child’s best interest.